3. Kiss, 'Alive!' (1975)

Generations of American parking-lot party commandos have sneaked their first cigarettes-and-cold-gin cocktails to this trash-rock opus. What makes Alive! a perfect summer album? Let Paul Stanley handle that question: "You know, it's getting soooo hot outside! You always need something to cool you off. There's gotta be some people here who like to drink tequiiilaaa!" Don't worry, Paul – there most certainly are. And where else would they be tonight except shaking ass to "Rock & Roll All Nite"?